New Texas HOA Laws 2025: Essential Updates for Greater Houston Homeowners
The 89th Texas Legislature session concluded in May 2025, resulting in significant new HOA laws impacting homeowners across Greater Houston, including communities in Cypress, Katy, Spring, Tomball, and Sugar Land. Effective as early as September 1, 2025, these laws touch on critical areas such as transparency, landscaping, solar energy rights, and homeowner protections.
Texas HOA Transparency Rules for Greater Houston Homeowners
Senate Bill (SB) 711, effective September 1, mandates that homeowners associations (HOAs) managing 60 or more units must provide an accessible website with essential documents, rules, and fees clearly displayed. Additionally, management certificates filed with the county must be submitted to the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) within seven days. Homeowners are protected from incurring attorney fees or interest on delinquent assessments if certificates are improperly filed.
Complementing this, SB 2586 requires HOAs to file their rules with TREC promptly or face daily penalties up to $1,000, emphasizing transparency and accountability.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
Landscaping and Property Regulations in Texas HOAs
New bills have substantial impacts on property maintenance and improvement rights:
-
House Bill (HB) 517 prohibits Greater Houston HOAs from fining homeowners for discolored vegetation or turf during city-imposed watering restrictions, supporting homeowners during drought conditions.
-
HB 431 expands homeowner rights in Texas, enabling the installation of solar roof tiles without unreasonable HOA restrictions, aligning with increasing demands for energy-efficient homes.
Pending legislation includes further landscaping freedom, such as permitting drought-resistant landscaping (HB 1432) and preventing mandatory turf installation (HB 2269), supporting sustainable homeowner practices.
Modernizing HOA Meetings and Voting Procedures
Under SB 2629, Texas HOA meetings can explicitly be conducted electronically or telephonically, with electronic voting now officially an option. This change significantly increases accessibility and convenience for homeowners across Greater Houston and beyond.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
Protecting Homeowners' Political and Personal Expression
Several bills clarify homeowner rights regarding political and personal expression:
-
HB 621, approved by the Texas House and awaiting Senate action, ensures homeowners can host government officials and political candidates in HOA common areas.
-
HB 4356 and SB 2783 reinforce homeowner rights to display political signs and flags during election periods, protecting free speech in residential communities.
Expanding Homeowner Rights for Food Production
HB 294, passed by the Texas House on May 1, 2025, and currently under review in the Senate Local Government Committee, aims to increase homeowner rights significantly. It allows residents in HOA-managed neighborhoods to grow fruits and vegetables, keep up to six domestic fowl or adult rabbits, and operate small cottage food businesses. If enacted, this bill would significantly support food independence and sustainability efforts in Greater Houston, allowing HOAs to set reasonable guidelines without prohibiting these activities outright.
Stay Informed and Involved
Homeowners in Greater Houston are encouraged to check their HOA websites periodically and stay involved by attending community meetings. Keeping an eye on updates from TREC and local associations will help ensure you understand the practical impact of these legislative changes.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
